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Hagioscope Obscura

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Hagioscope Obscura --- 2020-07-03

Special edition cassette, each one unique. Recycled card O design sleeve with full on-body printing, featuring a different design on each side. Accompanied with individually hand-crafted pomander and infusion bag, each bag hand stitched by Amy Ruth (Grimly Fiendish Crafts). Each bag contains a mix of Seven Thieves plague herbs (a combination of cloves, lemon, ginger, angelica root, wormwood, oregano flowers and sage leaves and flowers) which was thought to ‘steal away’ sickness. The infusion bag can be used to make a tea, or to mull cider or wine, for a health-giving elixir. The bundled pomander is inspired by the herbs worn around the neck during the black death, to ward off infection thought to be carried by bad smells. The fresh herbs of Rosemary and Lavender can be rubbed to release their soothing scents, while the liquorice sticks can be chewed or steeped in the infusion, and are good for the teeth. All herbs and spices used are referenced in historical healing recipes from the period. Also tied into the pomander is a detachable abracadabra talisman, in the form of a hand-made amulet scribed with ink and feather. This piece of pandemic magic was used as an incantation during the plague, where it was hung above doorways to ward off death.